From Library Journal
As a basic handbook for piano enthusiasts, this is an informative and well-researched volume. The first section offers capsule biographies of pianists through history, alphabetically arranged, that assess the stylistic or pianistic traits of each. Recordings--or, in the case of historical figures, contemporary reports on playing styles--are cited for documentation. The second section presents a critical survey of the important piano literature, solo and concerto, with a selective discography for each, based on the author's comparative listening. The amount of space accorded each pianist, as well as the author's critical commentaries, are of necessity highly subjective; nevertheless, Dubal's choices give us an impression of careful judgment and genuine love of the subject. There are some surprising omissions (e.g., Gilbert Kalish, Christian Zacharias) in the biographical section, but the discography lists many additional performers. In sum, this book incorporates in one volume the kind of useful information contained in an historical work such as Harold Schonberg's The Great Pianists and in the various guides to the piano literature that are available.- Susan Kagan, Hunter Coll., CUNYCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Library Journal, February 1, 2005
"In its new guise, this important title effectively superseded earlier editions and is quite a bargain for libraries; highly recommended."
Book Description
This is the only complete and up-to-date book profiling every major pianist (thousands) and their essential repertoire and recordings. This third edition is completely revised (second edition: 1995 Harvest Books, ISBN# 0-15-600019-9), with hundreds more entries and updated information about existing entries. The book contains a CD for the first time featuring rare performances. "For all those interested in the piano, this book will provide great insight and knowledge. It must be read by everyone who loves the instrument." - Vladimir Horowitz "The Art of the Piano is the best companion a piano aficionado could ask for." - Baltimore Sun
The Art of the Piano FROM THE PUBLISHER
"Completely revised to include new artists and recordings, as well as, for the first time, a CD of rare recordings of the piano literature, this is the only all-inclusive and up-to-date book containing profiles of every major pianist and his or her essential repertoire. David Dubal also includes, in alphabetical order by composer, insightful commentary on the masterpieces of the literature, solo and concerto, and lists of recordings that represent the finest craftsmanship and widest diversity of interpretation of each work." The Art of the Piano is an essential resource for piano teachers, concert-goers, and other devotees of keyboard virtuosity.
SYNOPSIS
This reference for teachers, students, and concert goers presents nearly 1,000 profiles of the world's best known concert pianists. It also contains Dubal's commentary on the masterpieces of the literature, organized alphabetically by composer. Each of these entries concludes with a list of recordings representing the widest diversity of interpretation of the work. New to the third edition is a music CD containing 31 rare piano performances. Concert pianist Dubal teaches piano literature at the Juilliard School. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Dubal (piano literature, Juilliard Sch.) has enlarged his useful 1989 handbook by a third. While some entries remain unchanged, others have been updated or reworked. Of course, entries have been added, as has a CD of 31 historical solo piano performances. As in previous editions, the text is divided between biographies of pianists who focus on classical solo repertoire, ranging from the earliest exponents to performers active in 2003 (and excluding those known mainly as accompanists or chamber musicians, e.g., Gilbert Kalish), and a repertoire section listing composers and their piano works with annotations and suggested recordings, which is presented in two parts-key composers/pieces and others of "special quality." This division is understandable, but it requires readers to consult each grouping to see if a composer is included. Programs for recitals by some major performers, portraits by the author, and quotes from pianists, critics, and others personalize the work. The selections featured on the CD are important (e.g., Bartok playing his own pieces, Schnabel playing Beethoven), fascinating, and sometimes downright quirky, but unfortunately many are marred by surface noise. Bottom Line A few odd locutions and minor editorial lapses distract, but overall Dubal's strong opinions remain provocative. In its new guise, this important title effectively supersedes earlier editions and is quite a bargain for libraries; highly recommended.-Barry Zaslow, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
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